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10 Responses to “Balance Is Critical In A Consistent Swing”

Jeremy
I think that if you can actually think that those ranges for over 50 are attainable at all ages > 50′ I believe that many of your elder seniors are going to be disappointed. I am also 79 and I think your standards are no longer attainable for me. I would be interested1′ you have ever tested a person my age, 2 what other elderly seniors think my statement.

Hi Donald,
Thanks for your question and concern. I do work with quite a few golfers in your age bracket (even more through traditional orthopedic rehab settings). You’re correct to question my vague statement in the video. I added a more specific table of norms above to help everyone get a better attainable goal for their single leg balance test. As a golfer, I want to see you beat these norms because of the conditions you deal with on the course. So work not only to be within the norms given, but actually get past them. Please let me know if this helps you with a more realistic approach!
Jeremy Klinkhamer, PT

G’day Jeremy,
I’m in the 60 – 69 group, eyes open easy, eyes closed barely 2 seconds. If I drop the foot down to touch the opposite ankle I get a better result, with controlled wobbles. Does this indicate anything significant?

Hi Ben,
I’m glad to see you’re working on your balance. There are a magnitude of reasons for eyes-closed balance difficulties. They can range from simple foot/ankle weakness to more complex issues like medication effects or neurological issues. Eyes-closed single leg balance will be naturally more difficult than eyes-open. Mild difficulties shouldn’t warrant any concern, but if your eyes-closed test results in dizziness, falling or violent/uncontrollable movements you need to get checked out. If there are concerns that your difficulties with this test are significant I would suggest further consultation with a physician.
Jeremy Klinkhamer, PT

In a physical therapy setting we would typically take your “best performance” for each leg. It’s meant to be a quick and reliable test to screen for patients that may be a fall risk. In my FitGolf setting it helps me better understand golfers with weight transfer limitations or an issue getting to a confident finish position.
Jeremy Klinkhamer, PT

Hi Tim,
Good question. Vaguely speaking, a well rounded approach to balance is a good idea. Any kind of exercise that narrows your base of support and it feels challenging will enhance your balance. Your body needs to be challenged in this way to speed up the neuromuscular system responsible for those quick movements in the foot and ankle that ultimately keep you steady. When our neuromuscular system isn’t challenged it tends to slow, especially with age. The result is large muscle movements in the hips and torso that try to steady us and this is much less steady. The trick is to find balance exercises, for you, that are tough enough to make you work, but not so tough that you can’t do it at all or are at risk of actually falling. Your body won’t respond well if it’s too easy and the same if it’s too difficult. So positions like, standing on one foot, lunge position, toe to heel are all good ideas. I’ve seen some people do very regular exercises, like bicep curls, standing on one leg or even on a balance board. Food for thought. Hope this helps.
Jeremy Klinkhamer, PT

Hey Lotta,
Without shoes is preferred and you should be “pleased” with your results but not “satisfied.” This test is just the beginning. Now you should find balance exercises that challenge you in many ways and maybe even replicate movements you do in golf to help your body transfer that training over to your sport.

Try these (found in the Flexibility tab above):

Star of Death
Railroad Tracks to Tightwire
Follow Through Balance Exercise